HYDERABAD: To give a boost to theatre in the state, the state government has increased the amount of cash prizes for performances in various categories. The enhancement was effected after the Andhra Pradesh State Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation made the recommendation. Following the recommendation, cash prizes have been enhanced in respect of padya natakams, social plays, social playlets, and children's social playlets.

The increase in cash prizes is considerable as a GO released by the general administration department on August 30 shows.

For padya natakams productions, the cash prizes for first best performance has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 80,000, second best from Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000 and third best from Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000. There has been a considerable increase even in the individual awards. The best director award cash prize has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, first best play writer from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000, second best play writer from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000, the Bellari Raghava ward for best actor from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, best leading actress from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, best music from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. Cash prizes for the rest of the awards in the category have been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.

For social plays productions, the cash prize for first best performance has been increased from Rs 40,000 to Rs 70,000, the second from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 and the third from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. In the individual awards in the category, the best director's cash prize has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, the first best play writer from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 and the second best play writer from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. The best leading actor and best leading actress cash prize has been enhanced from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. For the rest of the awards, the enhancement is from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.

The enhancement will be applicable for the Nandi Natakotsavam 2013 which will be held in January/February 2014.